Chamberlain Acres is a garden center, florist, gift shop and local gathering place, owned and operated by Charlie Todd and Glenn Miller, situated on their 3.5 acre plot in Southport, a Township immediately adjacent to Elmira NY. The Chamberlain family has occupied this land since the late 1890s , with a combination of agriculture, dairy farm and a retail dairy store. Charlie is the fourth generation to own this property.

A garden center that started in their backyard in 2007 has evolved into a year-round New York State certified farmers market featuring locally grown and handmade goods, seasonal workshops (flower arranging, wreaths, pottery and more) and a welcoming space for community gatherings, from garden club meetings and baby showers to farm-to-table dinners.

A few years ago Charlie and Glenn set out to build a pole barn as a practical extension of their greenhouses. It was planned as an investment upgrade that would allow them to reduce costs by adding a sprinkler system (currently plants are watered by hand) and grow plants rather than ordering them wholesale. Plans also included the addition of handicapped accessible restrooms and a small kitchen for canning produce and vendor use.

The project was not approved through the local process and the resulting legal case has now concluded. The jury found that Chamberlain Acres was treated differently than others in similar situations, but that the difference was not based on impermissible considerations. While Charlie and Glenn are disappointed in the outcome, they respect the verdict. Most importantly, they are focused on what comes next; rebuilding a constructive relationship with the Town and pursuing a path forward to finally make these long-needed improvements.

The last several years have taken a financial toll on their business. The COVID pandemic resulted in a significant, albeit temporary, decrease in revenue, and a high interest loan, initially intended to cover the cost of the pole barn, has been used to keep the doors open and navigate an extended period of uncertainty. Your donation will help (1) reduce that debt and (2) help to cover the engineering and construction costs to move forward in their renewed effort to build the pole barn.

We are asking you to help keep a welcoming garden center and farmers market open. If Chamberlain Acres has been part of your life, or if you believe small community-based businesses deserve a chance to thrive, we thank you for considering a donation and for sharing this page with friends.